How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an eco-friendly source of heat that is low in carbon and good for the environment. They are simple to use and offer great heat for rooms.

The highest efficiency of a stove is attained when it's stocked with well-seasoned wood. This is mature horse chestnut or hawthorn that has been cut and stacked for a whole year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a comfortable, warm and affordable alternative to gas and oil. They are also good for the environment since they provide an energy-efficient heat source and have the added benefit of enriching your living space by creating a beautiful natural flame. However, before you buy a wood burner, it is vital to know if you reside in a smoke-free zone as this can affect the type of fuel you can use in your stove.

It is recommended to contact the local environmental protection office for more information on the rules for those who reside in a smoke-control zone. You should also make sure that your home is able to accommodate a stove that burns logs. It will need an enduring chimney and a roof structure. In addition to this it is essential to have a plentiful supply of dry logs for your stove. It is recommended to use wood that has been kiln dried and has an extremely low moisture level or well-seasoned wood as it will have less negative impact on the environment. Green wood is rich in moisture, which means it requires a lot of energy to evaporate the water. A well-seasoned, kiln-dried, and well-seasoned wood will burn more hot and release less smoke.

The first step is to build the bed of embers with small twigs and pieces of kindling. After the tepee arrangement is set, larger logs can then be added. They should be stacked criss-cross (like a game of tic-tac toe) so that there is plenty of room for air flow between the logs. Once the fire has been established, you can close the main air intake on the stove and utilize the 'automatic combustion control' to supply the logs with a steady flow of oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned and cut to fit your stove, which will help in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to use only Woodsure approved logs. The logs are dried in kilns and sourced from sustainable forest.

A fire is lit

It is essential to light a fire properly in a wood burning stove or any other type of log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of the stove however, it also helps reduce the build-up of smoke and creosote within your chimney and in your home. To begin ensure that the damper is not closed - this is usually an open valve or lever close to the top of the stove. Once the fire is set it is possible to close the damper to control airflow and heat output.

Gather some small to medium-sized clefts and make sure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should be less than 20%). Put an ember layer on the base of your log burner or fireplace by using a few pieces of newspaper or other non-combustible materials like cardboard. Do not pack the tinder in a tight manner as this can restrict the flow of oxygen and cause the fire to die. Place a few crisscrossed firelighters on the tinder.

Then, put some finely seasoned kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Make sure to leave room for air circulation. At this stage, you may also add Eco firelighters to help ignite the kindling. Then, place a few larger logs on top of the kindling. It is better to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, rather than leaning against each other. This allows for airflow and draught to reach the logs below.

The upside-down method of lighting fires is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional method of lighting a fire. This is due to the fact that the logs at the top of the stack heat up faster, providing more oxygen to the flames below. This also stops the draught of the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling, which would otherwise slow the ignition and cause the fire to smoke. This method also ensures the fire is full and roaring starts right from the beginning and you won't have to wait long to enjoy your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

It is recommended to clean the firebox of your log-burning stove regularly. If it is not cleaned an accumulation of ash can impede airflow and cause the fireplace to release smoke instead of an intense flame. This can be particularly dangerous, so it is vital to keep your wood stove clean. When it is time to clean be sure the stove is cool and remove any large pieces of ash prior to when you begin cleaning. You should also wear gloves, as ash can be extremely hot. You can also place a newspaper-covered sheet on the floor in front of the stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are many ways to clean the glass on your wood burner. Many people simply apply a sheet of newspaper and rub the soot off however, you can also buy cleaning sprays, or even oven cleaner. There's even a product specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves. It can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove in spring will help keep away the buildup of creosote. It is essential to clean your stove as creosote can be flammable and pose serious fire dangers. You can also use a flashlight to inspect the chimney and flue for any indication of creosote. If the creosote buildup exceeds than 1/8", you should clean the flue and chimney.

To clean the firebox, you should first ensure that the stove is fully cool. Then, take out any large ash particles and eliminate them in a secure manner. Once the ash has been removed it is possible to clean the stove's interior with the wire brush. It is also recommended to scrub the grate and the andirons with a wire brush to remove any buildup of soot. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned the firebox, close the flue and shut the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone else hold the ladder while you climb up and open the flue since it is high up.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a wood burning stove is vital to the efficiency of the appliance and to keep smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows for fresh air to enter the room and replace the old and stale air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating, which could cause damage to it and reduce its effectiveness. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all woodburning stoves.

Start with wood that has been stored for at least six months and dried. It will burn hotter and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding substances made of man-made wood like ply, particle boards, and painted wood because they could release toxic gasses and leave traces that can cause a fire in the chimney. Do not add too many logs because they will smother flames, leaving unburned fuel that can cause creosote and smoke.

It is recommended to open both air vents prior to lighting the fire, and remain open until flames are established. When the fire is fully lit, slowly close the vent levers until they are each closed by about one-third. If your fireplace is situated in a depressurised space it might be necessary to open a door or window slightly to ensure adequate ventilation. If you have an Electric stove fires, Eng.cordeliashotel.com, stove that burns wood, it is best to use a combination of both smokeless and wood briquettes. This will keep the flames burning for longer and also allow you to add more logs once the fire has been established.

Check with your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if you are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. You may have to build a new chimney or alter your existing flue to comply with the regulations. You should also check with your insurance company to determine if they will require you to have the work approved to keep your home insurance.